How to Keep Pet Health Care Costs Down

The New York Times recently had a really interesting article by Alina Tugend on how to trim pet health care costs during tough economic times. Adopting from a shelter, the author says, is one way to get a dog inexpensively since in many cases shots, microchips, and state dog licenses are included in the adoption price. (Not to mention you're rescuing a pet.) In addition, says the story: "The ASPCA (aspca.org) and the nonprofit groups, Happy Tails (happytails.org) or Friends of Animals (friendsofanimals.org), offer information about low-cost spaying and neutering options in your area." The author also discusses how New York state has a subsidy program through the Animal Population Control Program that allows you to adopt a pet for a lower cost.

Carrie Poff, left, a New Rochelle, N.Y., vet, prepares to spay a dog. Dana Rocco, humane society manager, is at right. Angel Franco/The New York TimesAnother issue the piece addresses is pet insurance. I don't have it, nor do I know too many pet owners who do. According to Tugend, Consumer Reports discourages people from getting pet insurance because "checkup costs alone don't justify insurance," and unless your pet needs a major operation, you could be wasting money. But I wondered, how many of you have it? Is this something worth looking into?